Special Briefing Identifying Risk of Violence and Early Warning Signs of Atrocity Crimes in Bosnia
On 16 Oct 2025, the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes published a policy briefing on the critical threats facing Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) and the immediate steps the UK Government should take to reaffirm the rule of law and respect for human rights in BiH, and to maintain peace and stability consistent with the Dayton Peace Agreement (14 December 1995).
The publication of the briefing comes ahead of the London Leaders’ Summit for the six Western Balkans States and European partners, hosted by the UK Government on 22 Oct 2025, under the Berlin Process. It also precedes the semi-annual debate on BiH, at the UN Security Council, in early Nov 2025 where the main agenda item will be the vote to reauthorise the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR Althea). Discussions are also expected to focus on the country's political situation, particularly regarding the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and its continued mandate.
The proposed recommended measures to the UK Government concern preventing instability which could lead to the re-occurrence of conflict and relatedly atrocity crimes, which is more salient given that this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, as well as the ratification of the peace negotiated at Dayton.
The Executive Committee of the Standing Group commissioned the special briefing as part of its discretionary and limited mandate to intervene in situations of grave concern where they relate to the risk of atrocity crimes impacting international peace and security.
Aarif Abraham was a co-author of the policy briefing together with Dr Valery Perry and Dr Kurt Bassuener.
For more information about Aarif, contact our International Team Practice Manager, Naomi Smith.
Op-Ed by Aarif for The House Magazine can be found here.
The formal press release can be found here.
The policy briefing is available here.
NOTES TO EDITORS
You can learn more about the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes on their website here.
Committee Chair: Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC
Executive Committee Members, as of 14 Oct 2025, include:
Prof. Payam Akhavan, Prof. Christine Chinkin, Dr. Federica D’Alessandra, Dr. Fernand De Varennes, Alistair Fernie, Andrew Gilmour CMG, Wayne Jordash KC, Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC (Chair), Oleksandra Matviichuk, Jason McCue, Rupert Skilbeck, Dr. Ewelina Ochab (Convener), and Aarif Abraham (Convener)
Advisory Board Members, as of 14 Oct 2025, include:
Lord David Alton KCSG, Lord Alfred Dubs, Richard Foord MP, Baroness Arminka Helić, Baroness Fiona Hodgson CBE, Blair McDougall MP (ex offcio), Brendan O’Hara MP, Baroness Liz Sugg CBE, David Taylor MP, Melanie Ward MP, Luke de Pulford, and James Jennion
